Moredun ISSUE 10 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2015 m a g a z i n e

Protecting Albatross on Gough Island KEEPERS at the Parliament Princess Royal supports research

www.moredun.org.uk Contents Director’s comment Veterinary Society Conference in Mull this In this Issue: autumn. This new blood test will enable the detection of infested animals at an early stage p1-3 News: Launch of new of infection and before the onset of clinical

sheep scab diagnostic Photo | Kevin McCollum symptoms which will be important in controlling this important disease of sheep p4 Optimised wormer treatment (page 1). in hill sheep We were delighted to welcome HRH The p5 Pentlands Science Park and Princess Royal to Moredun to a special event Moredun Scientific held to celebrate ’s Year of Food and Drink where we showcased research highlights p6 LIVESTOCK KEEPERS from Moredun and our collaborators at the contributing to the food industry (page 8). I am also very pleased to announce our p8 HRH The Princess Royal renewal of the successful collaboration with supports Scotland’s Year A very warm welcome to the the National Sheep Association. This of Food and Drink Autumn/Winter edition of the partnership has greatly benefitted Moredun by Moredun Magazine. This issue improving our connectivity with sheep farmers p10 Protecting albatross and other highlights some of the diverse and bird species on Gough Island across the UK (page 1). Working in interesting projects our scientists collaboration with the , Moredun p12 New links between Moredun, have been involved in, showing the organised a beef cattle health event held at Heriot-Watt University and wide reach Moredun’s research has in Auchorachan Farm, Glenlivet by kind the Zoo helping to make an impact in several permission of the Durno family (page 13). different science areas. Our science engagement project LIVESTOCK p13 Healthy Beef from KEEPERS has really caught the imagination of Whisky Country One of our scientists Mark Dagleish spent a the public and we enjoyed a very special event very interesting few weeks working in held at the Scottish Parliament (pages 6-7). collaboration with the RSPB helping to protect We hope that you enjoy this issue of endangered bird species on the remote Gough the magazine and thank you for your Island in the middle of the South Atlantic continued support. (pages 10-11). This also involved collaboration with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and we were delighted to improve our links with the Zoo along with Heriot-Watt University at an exchange event held to look at developing some innovative inter- disciplinary projects (page 12). Our new sheep Julie Fitzpatrick scab diagnostic was launched at the Sheep Scientific Director and Chief Executive

Moredun Magazine

Moredun magazine is produced twice a year Comments, ideas, suggestions? The Moredun Foundation is a company and is available free of charge. Get in touch and let us know. limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland No. SC151865. Designed and Produced by Moredun Please contact: Communications Centre © 2015. Moredun Communications Team, The Moredun Foundation is a charity registered Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, in Scotland, No: SC022515 All images, unless otherwise stated, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ Address: Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, are © Moredun. Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland, EH26 0PZ. tel: +44 (0)131 445 5111 To subscribe, contact: fax: +44 (0)131 445 6111 Cover image: Mark Dagleish on Gough Island Moredun Communications Team, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, e-mail: [email protected] Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ web: www.moredun.org.uk

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 NEWS Sheep farmers benefit from renewal of Moredun – NSA partnership

Moredun’s important collaboration partnership has greatly benefitted Moredun by with the National Sheep Association improving our connectivity with sheep farmers (NSA) was renewed in June this year, across the UK enabling us to focus our research where it can provide most benefit to with a second three-year term agreed sheep health and welfare.” between the two organisations. All NSA members are automatically Moredun members, unless they inform NSA Samuel Wharry, NSA Chairman, commented otherwise, and therefore receive the highly “Regular feedback tells us it is a hugely regarded Moredun technical newssheets on appreciated part of our membership package. a range of animal health and welfare issues. The research and development work Moredun Livestock farmers are also encouraged to does on behalf of the global sheep industry is be members of Moredun individually, if they remarkable.” would like voting rights within the Chief Executive of the Moredun organisation and also to support the invaluable Foundation, Julie Fitzpatrick, said, “Our joint work Moredun does for the industry.

Commercial launch of the new sheep scab diagnostic

The new sheep scab diagnostic blood test developed by Moredun (see issues 8 and 9) is now commercially available to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Launched at the Sheep Veterinary Society Conference in Mull in September, this novel diagnostic is being marketed by Lillidale Diagnostics under the LilliTest brand.

The test detects host antibodies to a specific protein found only in the sheep scab mite, which means that the test can accurately detect that an infestation is due to the scab mite and not another ectoparasite. The test can detect infested animals at an early stage and before the onset of clinical symptoms, which will be important in the effective control Moredun’s new Sheep Scab Diagnostic. of the parasite. Dr Stewart Burgess who leads the sheep scab research group at Moredun commented, “We are very pleased that the test is now test, it is now possible to detect the infection Mr Mel Claremont, of Lillidale Diagnostics commercially available. The development of a much earlier, at the sub-clinical stage. It will said, “We are delighted to collaborate with sensitive and specific blood test provides an aid farmers and vets by providing information Moredun to bring the new test to market important tool to aid control strategies for to support treatment decisions and prevent enabling the sheep industry to combat sheep sheep scab and crucially, by using this new further spread of the disease.” scab infestation in their flocks.”

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 1 News Veterinary Record Innovation Award for Barber’s Pole worm

Dr David Smith.

Moredun veterinary scientist Dr David Smith received the inaugural Veterinary Record Innovation Award on behalf of the team who developed ® Barbervax , a vaccine for the Barber’s Barbervax® being administered in Australia. Pole worm (Haemonchus contortus). The award recognises innovation in the veterinary sphere. first vaccine in the world for this worm parasite we were pleased to receive a broad range of of sheep. It was registered for commercial use quality nominations. However, the clear The Barber’s Pole worm is a globally important in Australia in 2014, where the worm has a winner was David Smith and colleagues at the roundworm parasite of sheep and goats. It is a major impact on the sheep industry. Moredun Research Institute for Barbervax®. voracious bloodsucker causing anaemia which Suzanne Jarvis, Managing Editor of the The judges felt this entry truly demonstrated can readily become fatal. Barbervax® is the Veterinary Record said, “For this new award innovation.”

LIVESTOCK KEEPERS image exhibited in New York

Many congratulations to Scottish photographer Kevin McCollum who many of you will know from his collaborations with Moredun. Photo | Kevin McCollum

Kevin is currently working with us on our public engagement project LIVESTOCK KEEPERS and one of his images from the project has been selected from over 9000 entries for the Photoville Exhibition held in Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York, 10-20th September. The public voted for their favourite 25 through instagram and Kevin’s image of sheep at an auction mart in the Western Isles was one of the winners! For more information about the LIVESTOCK KEEPERS project, go to www.moredun.org.uk/livestock-keepers Auction Mart, Western Isles.

2 Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 NEWS

Moredun welcomes visitors from across the livestock industry

Moredun continues to warmly us on 16th September to discuss the latest roundworm control. welcome representatives from the research updates and both the current and Moredun scientists also enjoyed a visit different sectors of the livestock future issues facing the UK and European from the Waitrose Lamb Development Forum livestock industry. Steering Group on 29th September who industry to its headquarters at Later on in the month representatives participated in a number of short Pentlands Science Park. This from the USA livestock sector visited Moredun presentations on diseases and issues affecting September was no exception with as part of the Ohio State University Sheep lamb performance and health. a number of different groups Extension Programme’s Sheep Tour of the UK As well as providing an insight into their visiting the Park. and Ireland. As well as gaining an insight into work for our visitors, Moredun scientists enjoy the history and vision of the Moredun the opportunity to learn more about different Representatives from the British National Foundation, the group also learnt more about aspects of the industry, whether nationally or Farmers Unions and the Brussels Office joined our work on liver fluke, ovine chlamydiosis and internationally.

Moredun Foundation Honorary Fellowships

The Moredun Foundation was delighted to award an honorary fellowship to both John Ross and John Huntley at its AGM on 3rd September.

John Ross CBE was chairman of the Moredun Foundation for eight years until his retirement in December 2012. He had previously also chaired the MRI board from 2002 to 2004. John, a senior partner in his family’s farming business in Dumfries and Galloway, has made a huge contribution to the Scottish livestock industry through his various roles with organisations such as Moredun, National Farmers Union of Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland and the Scotch Quality Beef and Lamb Association. John Huntley is a renowned immunoparasitologist who retired in 2014 after 30 years at Moredun. He was instrumental in the development of the new sheep scab diagnostic and in recent years his work expanded to include the potential for vaccination to other ectoparasites and in particular to the red poultry mite. Left to Right, Prof Julie Fitzpatrick, Dr John Huntley, Mr John Ross and Mr Ian Duncan Millar.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 3 Research Optimised wormer treatment in hill sheep

the Moredun farm and on five commercial lowland farms, using electronically tagged (EID) lambs and monitoring weight gain, has shown that by only drenching Photo | SRUC Kirkton underperforming lambs we were able to reduce drench use by about 50% whilst maintaining lamb growth and wormer effectiveness. However as many sheep in Scotland are farmed on the hills, the approach is now being tested in hill flocks by Moredun in collaboration with SRUC scientists at the Hill & Mountain Research Centre’s Kirkton Farm, near Crianlarich, Perthshire. The study compares a precision farming approach, where

Hill sheep. lamb wormer treatments are applied following monthly weight monitoring, to a traditional approach where wormer is administered by Targeting only individual lambs that worms, whereas heavy infections suppress monitoring worm egg counts. The three year are suffering production loss due to appetite, affecting growth rate. Routine use of trial has reduced wormer use by about 50% in gut worm infection is a way to worming drenches (anthelmintics) is the selective drenching groups, with no differences optimise wormer use. Here, Fiona mainstay of control, however, in many areas in weight gain between the two groups. The Kenyon and Dave McBean worms have developed resistance to the use of EID and an automatic weighing/drafting (Moredun), Claire Morgan-Davies drenches, with the result that they do not system reduced labour, with the TST approach and Nicola Lambe (SRUC) discuss completely clear the infection and animal costing only 20% of the traditional approach. the use of this approach on production suffers. Selective worming can reduce wormer use, commercial farms. Where selective breeding can be used to protect the useful life of wormers and save modify traits in flocks by selecting certain time and money. EID and other new The UK is home to many different species of animals to breed from, the same principle can technologies available can be part of an gut worms that infect sheep and all grazing explain how wormer resistance arises in gut effective farm management system for hill animals are infected to some degree. worms. Susceptible worms are killed by the sheep, reducing costs and helping to maintain Generally, the level of infection determines the drench, leaving only those worms that survive healthy productive stock. severity of the disease, with many animals in the animals. The offspring of these surviving continuing to grow well whilst carrying some worms also survive drenching and eventually, the proportion of worms that can survive builds up until the majority of worms are not removed and disease becomes apparent. As the number of drug classes available is Photo | SRUC Kirkton limited, we need to keep the drenches we Photo | SRUC Kirkton have working for as long as possible. This can be done by only treating those lambs that are suffering production losses to target wormer use. Researchers at Moredun have developed a decision support system to identify and drench only lambs which are failing to grow as expected (also known as targeted selective Lambs from the study. treatments, TST). Testing of the approach on Example of weigh crate used.

4 Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 Pentlands Science Park/Moredun Scientific Some new faces at Pentlands Science Park

Pentlands Science Park is delighted engineering. We wish them every success skills will make a significant contribution to to welcome Biotangents as its latest here at the Park. the future direction of the science park, and tenant, with the company having Following a few recent retirals, we warmly welcome them both to the board. moved into office space and a Pentlands Science Park is delighted As the Park looks to the future, laboratory within the International to announce the appointment of two new PSP is very happy to report that it has taken Research Centre over the summer. members to the PSP board; Mr Ian Forbes, on an apprentice engineer, Marcel Small, to and Professor Lee Innes. work in our small engineering team. Biotangents uses advanced metabolic Marcel started with us in August and will modelling, DNA assembly and screening Ian has both a property and farming approaches to explore different metabolic background, whilst Lee brings her experience be attending Edinburgh College at Dalkeith to tangents and find the optimum solutions to from the science, business and undertake his SVQ course in Heating and the challenges of biological pathway communications sectors. Their knowledge and Ventilation.

Pentlands Science Park showing the International Research Centre.

Veterinary clinical field trials

Moredun Scientific conducts medicine at the recommended dosage. relevant information on the vaccination and veterinary field trials for animal health We offer this service for all farm animal therapeutic treatment history of animals will industry clients to support the species. Our team of experienced study be required. registration and marketing of new monitors and investigators manage the trials Moredun Scientific has particular expertise on commercial farms. and improved veterinary medicinal in parasitology, respiratory disease and Our close connection with the members of products e.g. vaccines and mastitis which are the main focus areas for the Moredun Foundation ensures we are well therapeutics. our field trial work. Our quality assurance placed to rapidly select and enrol trial sites to department plays a significant role in all Such trials are conducted to veterinary good meet the requirements for a particular study. studies, they are experienced in VICH-GCP clinical practice standards (VICH-GCP) and are If you are interested in potentially working required to verify that results under field with us to be part of a field trial please get in ensuring the essential provision of conditions reflect those observed in touch. Each study is different and requires independent quality assurance at all phases experimental trials with the target animals. varying numbers of animals of a defined health of the trials. They are carried out on the target species using status to reflect the nature of the product to Contact us to learn more: final or near final formulations of the veterinary be tested in the trial. When recruiting farms, [email protected]

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 5 Events

Livestock Keepers at the Scottish Parliament

LIVESTOCK KEEPERS, a public Over 70 guests enjoyed an evening of The project, which includes audio clip engagement project developed by entertainment browsing the fabulous images interviews with the Livestock Keepers, as well Moredun in collaboration with Scottish on display; listening to three of the featured as the fabulous range of images from all over photographer Kevin McCollum was on Livestock Keepers talking about their lives and Scotland, is now ready to go on exhibition - show in the Member’s Room of the aspirations and enjoying the music of a locations and dates are being discussed, so Scottish Parliament on Wednesday talented young crofter Padraig Morrison please see our website from South Uist. Padraig’s music provided a (www.moredun.org.uk/livestock-keepers) for 30th September. The project fitting backdrop to a superb fashion show, further information and future venues. highlighted the role of livestock in using wool products, designed by students LIVESTOCK KEEPERS is a talking science supporting a range of diverse rural from Heriot-Watt University’s School of project funded by the Scottish Government industries across Scotland, including Textiles. The event, hosted by John Scott MSP, (OCSA) and the Moredun Foundation and has food and drink, wool and textiles and was hailed as a huge success by all who been conducted in collaboration with Kevin tourism and the arts. Livestock also attended including MSPs, government officials, McCollum Photography, Heriot-Watt play a significant role in biodiversity scientists, project collaborators and farmers; University, The Crown Estate, James Hutton and the environmental and cultural and reflected the positive impact of Moredun’s Institute, Connections, Harris Tweed heritage associated with remote rural research on the impressive range of businesses Authority and participating livestock keepers communities. which are based on healthy livestock. from across Scotland. Photo | Kevin McCollum

Guests at the LIVESTOCK KEEPERS event.

6 Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 EVENTS Photo | Kevin McCollum

Original designs using wool fabrics from Heriot-Watt University, School of Textiles. Photo | Kevin McCollum Photo | Kevin McCollum

Mr Tom Nelson, Glengorm Estate, Isle of Mull. Padraig Morrison.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 7 Out and About The Princess Royal supports research and collaboration to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink

of Skye. The presentations highlighted how new research and technologies were being applied to help in primary food production on farms, improving the nutritional quality of food and our diet and looking at how working together can help ensure Scotland becomes a Good Photo | J C Mackintosh Photography Food Nation. Mr Ian Duncan Millar, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation, commented, “Moredun is delighted to host this event celebrating Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink highlighting the importance of collaboration and connectivity between new research and those working across the food industry to help ensure the production of high quality, nutritious and healthy food.” During her visit, HRH The Princess Royal met guests including a group of post-graduate HRH The Princess Royal speaks to scientists at the event. students and early career scientists along with those representing some of Scotland’s research organisations, the farming industry, the Scottish Moredun was delighted to welcome with industry representatives to help grow Food Commission and the Equine Grass our Patron, Her Royal Highness Scotland’s reputation as a Good Food Nation. Sickness Fund. The Princess Royal, to a special event The speakers at the event included Before leaving, HRH The Princess Royal had held in October to mark Scotland’s Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Moredun Research a private tour of the laboratories and met Year of Food and Drink. Institute, Professor Peter Morgan, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and scientists involved in aquaculture and fish health The Princess Royal was joined by over 100 Mrs Shirley Spear, Chair of the new Scottish along with those leading new developments in representatives from the food, agricultural, Food Commission and owner of the Michelin diagnostics and vaccines against parasitic government and research sectors to showcase starred Three Chimneys restaurant on the Isle infections of livestock. the work being carried out to ensure the delivery of high quality nutritious and sustainable food supplies and to encourage local food production and consumption. 75% of the land in Scotland is used for and Scotland is renowned worldwide for the quality and diversity of its

natural larder, as well as boasting several Photo | J C Mackintosh Photography Michelin starred restaurants. Yet the paradox is that many people in Scotland suffer from poor diet and nutrition. The event highlighted the role of collaboration and research across different sectors of the food industry and the HRH The Princess Royal visits the Moredun laboratories. importance of bringing together researchers

8 Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 OUT AND ABOUT

APICOWPLEXA Conference WAAVP

Moredun’s Protozoology Research Group apicomplexan parasites in farm animals, host- Conference organised the 3rd International Meeting on parasite interactions at the cellular and Apicomplexan Parasites in Farm Animals here at immunological level, vaccination, August saw Moredun’s parasitologists attend Moredun on 1st-3rd July. The event was very chemotherapy, epidemiology, in vitro and in vivo the 25th International Conference of the World well attended by scientists from across the models and prevention and control strategies Association for the Advancement of Veterinary world, covering several different areas (www.apicowplexa.com). Parasitology (WAAVP) in Liverpool. WAAVP including: surveillance and diagnosis of brings together parasitologists from around the world to present and discuss the latest advances in their research, as well as important issues relevant to veterinary parasitology. Our scientists presented research updates on a number of areas including sheep scab, cryptosporidiosis, targeted selective treatment, equine parasitology and poultry red mites; as well as two keynote addresses on ‘Immune modulation by Teladorsagia circumcincta and implications for control’ and ‘Progress towards a sub-unit vaccine for control of teladorsagiosis in sheep’. Conferences such as this provide a great opportunity to showcase our work, develop future collaborations and help to support and develop the careers of our Third International APICOWPLEXA Conference 1-3rd July, Moredun. talented PhD students.

Show report

The summer months each year sees Photo | Kevin McCollum a team of Moredun scientists travel around the UK attending specialist sheep and beef events in order to keep farmers up to date with the latest advances in livestock health research.

Moredun had an extremely successful summer show season this year. We started off in May with NSA Welshsheep in Newtown, Beef Expo in York and Scottish Beef Event in Blairgowrie. In June we attended NSA North Sheep in Cockermouth, NSA Highland Sheep in Tain and the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. In November we, for the first time, attended NBA Beef South West as part of their speaker’s corner session on health and Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh. production. All the shows were very well attended and our scientists were kept busy answering politicians, supermarket representatives, For further information about the shows and events questions on a variety of subjects. At the Royal funding bodies and members of the public Moredun will be attending please visit Highland Show we saw a mixture of farmers, attend our marquee. www.moredun.org.uk/events

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 9 Research Photo | Mark Dagleish

Field work on Gough Island.

Protecting albatross and other bird species on Gough Island

Moredun scientist Dr Mark Dagleish the viability of some species of albatross, which on FTA cards to enable us to do further travelled to Gough Island in the only breed on this island. molecular and genetic analysis back at South Atlantic Ocean to assist in an The aim of this RSPB project is to use a Moredun. RSPB project to protect colonies of poisonous bait to eradicate the house mice. breeding birds. Moredun Magazine The baiting will be timed for when the majority Did you need any special training interviewed Mark to find out more of the seabirds are off the island and not before you went? breeding, but two species, the Gough Island about his expedition. I was way outside my comfort zone because as moorhen and the Gough Island bunting, do not a pathologist I normally work with dead things migrate and may be affected by the poisonous Where is Gough Island? that don’t move very fast, and I don’t normally bait. Therefore a percentage of the population Gough Island is in the middle of the South work with birds! However, Simon Girling the will be taken into protective captivity so that Atlantic, over 6000 miles from the UK and head vet at Edinburgh Zoo was very helpful you have birds to release after the poison has about 24 hours by ship from Tristan da Cunha, sourcing the equipment and gave me some degraded, to repopulate the island, if anything which is the most remote permanently human training on blood sampling birds. I was the only happens to the free-ranging ones. The big inhabited island in the world. From Cape Town vet there but I was working with a very worry is that if you have any disease outbreak in South Africa, it takes 6 days in a fast ship in experienced team of bird ecologists and there whilst the birds are in captivity, you only have good weather to reach it. were also some people doing seal work, which access to whatever treatment has been is more my line. brought onto the island by ship. Tell us about the project and My job was to examine the health of the Were you able to look at any of your role? birds and determine their normal blood the seals whilst there? In the 1800s sealers visited Gough Island and parameters and which pathogens they carry. introduced Western European house mice. The We looked for bacteria and parasites in blood Oh yes! I went out with a sampling kit and the mice eat albatross chicks and are endangering smears and faeces and also collected samples scientists working on the seals were wonderful.

10 Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 RESEARCH

In two days they caught 94 seal pups and we island including extra scientists such as myself. were able to get rectal and nasal swab samples As a world heritage site, biosecurity is very from them. This will enable us to do some tight. Your kit is extensively searched to keep comparative work with previous studies we out seeds from the highly invasive and have conducted looking at grey seals from a destructive Pearlwart (Sagina procumbens), a colony on the Isle of May in Scotland where we North European plant that has invaded Gough found the seals were carrying human strains of and has already devastated some of the other Campylobacter and cattle strains of Salmonella South Atlantic islands. No fresh fruit or spp. bacteria. We also have access to samples vegetables are allowed onto the island, so those from Galapagos sealions. It will be fascinating to who had been there for a year were craving compare the results we get between the things like a salad or an orange! Medical care on different seal populations, as the Isle of May the island is limited, so extensive medicals are seals are exposed to a lot of human sewage and required before you travel. The visiting research agricultural runoff, the Galapagos population vessel had a full human operating theatre and are living with a growing population of people the doctor came ashore with us. When he whereas the seals on Gough Island are as found out I was a vet the first thing he said was, isolated as you can get, so it’s a super clean “Right if we have any operations you can population. These are sub Antarctic fur seals help me.” and Gough has the largest breeding colony in the world of that species. Photo | Mark Dagleish How would you sum up the experience? What were your impressions of life on Gough? Amazing and a wonderful opportunity! It has It felt like you had arrived in Jurassic Park! It is been like a mini-sabbatical and I have met some very green. Although otherwise uninhabited, really interesting people. Together we have there is a weather station on Gough Island, with generated some new lines of research which a permanent team of 9 people, usually including should result in several new publications and two or three bird specialists. The group stays some grant applications. I have really enjoyed for a year. A supply boat visits annually for the having the time and space to go back to first team changeover, bringing food, diesel and principles of scientific research and discovery. medical supplies, and stays for 3 weeks and in I am very grateful for this once in a life-time that time there are up to 40 people on the Base camp at Gough Island. experience.

 2015 Christmas Card and Gift range

Christmas is now just around the Further information about the corner, and we are delighted that Christmas gifts and merchandise The Moredun Foundation have a we have available can be found selection of Christmas gifts and on our website merchandise for sale to members and supporters this year. www.moredun.org.uk/shop

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 11 Focus On... Moredun, Heriot-Watt University and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland look at new interdisciplinary collaborations Photo | Vicky Ingram, Heriot-Watt University Ingram, Heriot-Watt Photo | Vicky

Participants at the Exchange Event hall at Moredun.

Research leaders from Moredun, Head of Research Institute in Signals, Sensors a €9 million research grant from the Heriot-Watt University and the and Systems at Heriot-Watt University, European Union. Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Prof Marc Desmulliez. Commenting on the developing track (RZSS) participated in a special The Exchange Event comprised an record of successful research collaborations Exchange Event in June aimed at intensive, interactive programme of seminars, between Heriot-Watt University and stimulating novel interdisciplinary collaboration exercises, tours and facilitated Moredun, and ambitions for future synergies research collaborations and discussions led by Vivienne Parry during which with RZSS, Prof Lee Innes, Director of proposing new ideas for even closer participants were challenged to develop Communications, Moredun Research Institute research cooperation between the proposals for interdisciplinary research said, “We have had a really interesting couple three institutions in the future. projects. Prof Alan Miller, Former Deputy of days at the workshop meeting new Principal for Research & KE, Heriot-Watt colleagues, exchanging ideas and building some The participants represented a wide range of University and Trustee of the RZSS, said “I was innovative collaborative links going forward. I biological, engineering, management, physical very impressed by the originality and scope of am very confident from what I have heard at and mathematical sciences spanning many of new ideas generated by this intensely this event and the enthusiasm of the the principal areas of research excellence from interactive event, which I am certain will lead participants that some exciting new areas of Moredun, Heriot-Watt University and RZSS. to many innovative interactions and projects work will be developed bringing together the Over two days, the group learnt more about exploiting the complementary knowledge and diverse skills and interests across the three the research aims, expertise and facilities of skills of the participants from the three organisations.” each institution from key note speakers organisations.” The Exchange Event was developed by the including Scientific Director of the Moredun It is hoped that this event will build on the Centre for Academic Leadership & Research Institute, Prof Julie Fitzpatrick; Chief success of the inaugural Heriot-Watt – Development (ALD) at Heriot-Watt University Executive Officer of the RZSS, Prof Chris West; Moredun Exchange Event held in 2011 which based on their experience of designing Director of Giant Panda Project and Strategic saw the subsequent development of a Scottish Crucible and Heriot-Watt Crucible Innovations, RZSS, Dr Iain Valentine; and research partnership which went on to win programmes.

12 Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 NEWS

Healthy Beef from Whisky Country

Moredun and The Crown Estate further cemented their successful partnership with a joint farm event entitled ‘Healthy Beef from Whisky Country’ held at Auchorachan Farm, Glenlivet by kind permission of the Photo | Alan Laidlaw, Crown Estate Alan Laidlaw, Photo | Durno family. The event held on 13th October, saw 75 people attending including livestock farmers, vets and representatives from the livestock industry.

The morning programme held on Auchorachan, overlooking pens of magnificent Simmental bulls, included a welcome by Alan Beef cattle at Auchorachan Farm, Glenlivet. Laidlaw (Crown Estate) and an introduction from Michael Durno on the cattle breeding programme at Auchorachan. Short, practical (United Auctions); Professor Julie Fitzpatrick answers ranged from liver fluke, mastitis and presentations followed on the interpretation of (Moredun) and Donald McLean (Aberlour Neospora vaccines, to “anything” that will get Johne’s diagnostic test results and on farm Veterinary Centre). Audience participation was rid of sheep scab: so lots to do over the next control of cryptosporidiosis by Drs Karen excellent and the response from all the panel few years! Stevenson and Beth Wells respectively members was thought provoking and inspiring Alan Laidlaw, The Crown Estate’s Rural (Moredun); the Hi Health disease approach with subjects including, food security, selection Portfolio Manager said, “As active, responsible (Karen Tait, Biobest) and feeding rations for for genetic resistance to disease, cattle and bull land managers, The Crown Estate’s work to breeding cattle (John Taylor, Harbro). infertility, Johne’s and TB diagnostic test stimulate business and support a diverse The afternoon programme held at the interpretation, and reduction in antibiotic use economy at Glenlivet has spanned many years. Glenlivet Distillery involved a stimulating panel on farm. Finally, Nigel invited the panel to We take a sustainable approach to land discussion session skilfully chaired by Nigel Miller, suggest a “wish-list” of scientific breakthroughs management and work closely with partners with high profile panel members David Leggat they would like Moredun to provide next! The that will bring about long-term benefits to our estates. I was delighted to see so many of our tenants join us at Moredun’s Livestock Health Roadshow - events like these provide practical, up to date information and bring people together to find solutions to overcome the challenges faced by farmers. We will continue to work with Moredun and other like-minded organisations to help support our tenants’ businesses and the farming sector.” Ian Duncan Millar, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation said, “Moredun were delighted to work in collaboration with the Crown Estate on this event and it was great to see so many farmers turn out to join in the discussions on how to improve livestock health and welfare. Moredun was set up by farmers, for farmers and we work hard to ensure that our research is very much focused on the needs of the Panel discussion at Glenlivet Distillery. farming industry.”

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2015 13 www.moredun.org.uk